It’s not often I get to shoot a couple’s engagement session at the same location as their wedding, but The Lodge at Brier Creek is so beautiful, we all agreed it would be the perfect choice. I knew right away these two were going to be perfect to work with, they’re super fun and quirky and we literally already had everything we needed in first five minutes of shooting because they’re so natural. They came with their own ideas of what they wanted, different outfits and were willing to walk every square inch of the grounds.

Fast forward to their wedding weekend! Amy and David’s crew showed up ready to party and from the rehearsal to portraits to running away from giant lightening strikes to dance party entrances and dance party final exits, they provided just the right amount of hype and helped these two celebrate in style.

Fun fact about Amy and David. They are both entomologists and had met in an entomology class in college in Southern California. So it’s only fitting he proposed during a cicada explosion (I’m sure that’s the wrong term for it). He literally timed his wedding proposal around the cicada’s schedule and I think that is just the most adorable gesture to the field they both love. In addition she chose a dress to highlight her beautiful tattoos, wore insect earrings and had cicada fondant on their wedding cake.

She also held her Great-grandmother's handkerchief in her bouquet, which had been passed down through several family weddings.

Just before the ceremony started, the storm clouds rolled in and we were so glad we got the beautiful glowy engagement photos on the grounds previously (as well as their first look). However, the Lodge has a beautiful front porch overlooking the same mountains as their ceremony field and it worked perfectly as our covered option.

After the reception had started and everyone was having dinner, I noticed from the back room that the clouds parted and there was a perfect sunset. I knew we’d only have a couple minutes to capture it before the following cloud rolled back over so I ran from the back with cameras in hand, pointed at our happy couple- in the middle of dinner- they knew right away what they needed to do and they jumped up and followed me. The sun was out for just a couple minutes but it’s all we needed to capture that beautiful glow!

After tons of dancing with their friends and family we were about to close out the night and right on cue, we had a little visitor. ONLY an entomologist couple would notice a cricket on their dance floor, stop the show to pick it up and free it into the field nearby. It was the most adorable ending to their insect-friendly day.

You guys I cannot thank you enough for including me in your special day! I had the very best time and cannot wait to hear about all the cool bugs you discover in the future!

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Sydney Gail

Coordinator: Sincerely Chic

Venue : The Lodge on Brier Creek

Dress: Maggie Soterro from New York Bride and Groom of Raleigh

Suit: Suit Shop

Rings: Brilliant Earth and Emblem

Hair and Make Up: The Beauty Tribe

Florist: Brookside Flowers

Officiant: Sara Vesta/ Vestal Ceremonies

DJ: Tu-can Jamz Mobile Productions

Catering/Bar/Rentals: Catering by Tracy

Cake: Dewey's Bakery